A resident discovered the dog, now named Liam, in his garage on Thursday. Both the homeowner and Donna Lambert, the town’s Animal Control Officer, had thought the 1-year-old stray had been struck by a car due to his poor condition.

“We found Liam lying in pain,” Lambert said.

After taking Liam to the Acoaxet Veterinarian’s Office, it was discovered that the dog had been shot multiple times.

"We thought he was chewed by a coyote or another dog," said veterinary assistant, Beth Miranda. "We found there were bullet fragments in his leg."

Lambert said she had been looking for the stray dog for a couple of weeks after hearing he had been on the loose around Route 195. It's unclear when he was shot because he was not injured the last time she saw him.

She said she can’t fathom why anyone would hurt an animal.

"I would think if they did do it that they would report it, or if they had a problem with the dog in their yard, they would call an animal control officer," she said. “It's hard to tell what people do, and why they do it, what they're thinking."

Liam is expected to survive, but veterinarians may need to amputate his right leg. The surgery could cost a few thousand dollars.

Liam will be re-evaluated in about two weeks. Until then, he will be staying at the Cranston, R.I.-based organization “Handsome Dan’s Rescue.” The organization is looking for donations to help pay for his ongoing medical care.

Once Liam is fully recovered, the rescue team will be looking for a forever home for him.

“He loves to kiss, he loves to cuddle, sit on your lap,” said Miranda. "(He) hasn't given us any problems, hasn't growled once since he's been here."

Westport police are working with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to find the shooter.